Once June arrived and her belly had reached a considerable size, Minglan could lie flat on the couch, propping a book against her stomach to read. The little rascal inside her had begun disregarding all unwritten rules—either remaining still for long stretches or suddenly kicking violently a few times. The physician had taken her pulse and repeatedly examined her, smiling as he assured her everything was normal. Faced with this situation, Minglan could only lament that she hadn’t studied obstetrics or gynecology in her previous life.
As the delivery date approached, Cui Mama grew increasingly vigilant, her eyes gleaming with an almost eerie intensity, as if she viewed everyone in the courtyard with suspicion. Every spoonful of soup, every grain of rice, and every sip of tea that entered Minglan’s mouth was meticulously inspected, leaving Cui Mama with dark circles under her eyes. Xiaotao privately told Minglan that Cui Mama had served in a prominent family during her youth where the conflicts between wives and concubines were exceptionally brutal, leaving her permanently traumatized.
Unfortunately, Xiaotao’s whispered gossip happened to be overheard by Cui Mama, who promptly dragged her out by the ear to punish her with sweeping duties. Perhaps realizing she had become overly paranoid, Cui Mama couldn’t help sighing, “The Old Madam often says everyone has their own fate. Back then, the Old Madam’s son was born safely—a plump baby weighing seven catties and six taels. Yet later, he passed away because of such a trivial matter…”
Minglan lowered her head and stroked her belly. She had done all she could; now, it was up to her own character to see her through.
For over a month, the Marquis’s residence had been largely peaceful. During this time, Tingcan had come crying twice. The first time was when the princess ostentatiously elevated a concubine for her husband from the Han family. The Grand Old Madam gently comforted her daughter and sent her home. The second time was when Tingcan’s husband spent five consecutive nights in the concubine’s quarters. This time, the Grand Old Madam hardened her heart and scolded her daughter out of the house. After Tingcan left, however, she broke down in tears in front of her three daughters-in-law, lamenting, “Now I only regret not disciplining her properly back then. I spoiled her so much she doesn’t know her place!” From time to time, she would take Minglan’s hand and repeat, “I can only hope her elder brother and sister-in-law will show pity and guide her properly. Otherwise, otherwise…”
After returning to her room, Minglan pondered this for a long while. Danju, familiar with her mistress’s thoughts, quietly asked when they were alone, “What is it that you can’t figure out, Madam? Isn’t this just retribution for the Seventh Young Miss?” Having served by her young lady’s side since childhood, Danju had been immersed in the demeanor and upbringing of a well-bred lady. Whether it was Minglan, the refined and hypocritical Moran, or the arrogant and domineering Rulan, they all adhered to the duties of a young woman—embroidery, managing accounts, disciplining servants, overseeing the kitchen… they were competent in every aspect. Unlike the Seventh Young Miss of the Gu family, who spent her days holding a volume of poetry, indulging in frivolous literary pursuits instead of proper work. Her speech was often ambiguous, and she carried herself with an air of superiority, as if expecting everyone to praise and dote on her.
“Putting on airs of a young lady even after marriage—isn’t that just asking for trouble? No wonder the Grand Old Madam is crying now.”
Minglan shook her head, lightly stroking a mutton-fat white jade bracelet on her wrist. “Something’s not right. She has reason to cry, but she shouldn’t have done it in front of me.” Danju smiled and said, “Perhaps she was hoping you would intervene on behalf of the Seventh Young Miss.”
“Would I step in just because she pleaded with me a few times?”
Danju was momentarily speechless.
Minglan’s expression darkened as she gazed thoughtfully at the beaded curtain of colorful glass beads hanging in the doorway. “She’s clever. She knows my character well enough to understand such a futile attempt would be useless. Instead, she’s only revealed her weakness.”If one day Gu Tingcan's circumstances outside were to damage the Gu family's reputation and prestige (for example, if she were divorced), even without the Grand Old Madam saying a word, Minglan would have no choice but to step forward for this unpleasant sister-in-law. But if she were merely suffering some grievances in her marital home, well, that was just part of life's trials. So, knowing there was nothing to be gained, what exactly was the Grand Old Madam after?
"Was it just to play the victim and gain sympathy?" Minglan pondered bitterly.
This wasn't the only thing puzzling her. After being thoroughly reprimanded by Mama Chang that day, Kang Yima had been absent for quite some time. Given the temperament of this eldest daughter of the Wang family, Minglan had assumed she would never set foot in the Gu household again. Yet, somehow, the Grand Old Madam must have smoothed things over, because just half a month later, Kang Yima returned. This time, however, she was much milder—neither making unreasonable demands nor putting on airs. Too embarrassed to face Minglan directly, she even sent her own concubine-born daughter as a vanguard to Jiaxi Residence to apologize.
"Mother asked me to come and apologize. She said she was being foolish and hopes you won't take it to heart," Kang Zhaor said timidly, standing in the middle of the room. Her face was full of fragility and alarm, yet it couldn't conceal her natural elegance and graceful beauty.
"If you're still angry, you can hit me a few times to vent," Zhaor whispered, her voice as faint as a mosquito's hum, almost on the verge of tears. Her fingers nervously tugged at the brand-new peach-red brocade jacket with intricate floral patterns she was wearing. She and her legitimate elder sister Yuan'er were only two years apart, and since childhood, she had always worn Yuan'er's hand-me-downs. Now, this new clothing made her uncomfortable.
Looking at this girl, Minglan couldn't help but sigh. Before her marriage, she had met Zhaor a few times and knew that her birth mother was Kang Yima's accompanying maid. Since childhood, Zhaor had been a little follower behind Yuan'er, a girl who grew up watching her mistress's expressions.
"There's no need for anger. It's just that Mama Chang has a bit of a temper and offended Yima. If anything, it's my fault," Minglan said with a slight smile. She then had Danju bring over some freshly delivered pomegranate grapes and lightly brushed the matter aside.
The next day, the Grand Old Madam, Kang Yima, and Zhaor, along with their maids and elderly servants, arrived at Jiaxi Residence in a grand procession. They spent a long time fussing over the pregnant woman, with Kang Yima smiling as warmly as spring sunshine, showing excessive concern and affection. Her overly intimate tone, however, gave Minglan a chill. "When things are abnormal, there must be something sinister," Minglan thought, growing wary. She refused to join in this family reunion and remained aloof.
After putting on a show for half the day without getting any cooperation from Minglan, Kang Yima left with a forced smile. From then on, she often brought Zhaor to visit the Gu family. Even if she didn't come to Jiaxi Residence herself, she would send Zhaor to greet Minglan.
The days that followed were uneventful. Kang Yima seemed genuinely to have hit it off with the Grand Old Madam, visiting frequently without any excessive or inappropriate behavior. Yet, Minglan grew increasingly restless day by day. Someone like Kang Yima never visited without a purpose; she always had ulterior motives. But this time, she hadn't asked for anything. If she had no requests, then why was she so insistent on reconciling with Minglan?
It couldn't be that she had suddenly laid down her knife and became a Buddha on the spot.
As her pregnancy neared its end, Minglan was at her most lethargic. Every day, she drowsily faced her pillow, wishing she could just eat and sleep until the day of delivery. It was utterly vexing that she still had to rack her brains, wondering if someone was plotting against her.There were no quarrels between maids and matrons, no bullying from stewards and servants. The Grand Old Madam spent her days worrying only about Miss Tingcan's marital life, Madam Shao was busy disciplining her daughter, and Madam Zhu was occupied with supporting her husband and raising children. The entire mansion was harmonious, with no ominous signs at all. Perhaps there really was nothing? Perhaps she was overthinking? Since she couldn't make sense of it no matter how hard she thought, could it be unnecessary worry?
A soft, warm breeze drifted into the room, flipping a half-read volume of storybooks from the desk onto the chair. Minglan, holding her belly, walked over while yawning incessantly, thinking she might take a nap and use the storybook to lull herself to sleep. As she picked up the volume, her eyes glanced at the page, and the very first line read: "Though all seems tranquil, danger lurks everywhere."
Minglan stared blankly for a moment, and for some reason, a cold sweat broke out on her back.
"Go to the outer hall and invite Master Tu the Second," she said, her voice suddenly shedding its laziness and weariness, becoming unusually alert.
Tu Hu naturally had a somewhat fierce appearance, with a menacing scar running from his left temple, across the bridge of his nose, down to his jaw—the legendary "heaven-encompassing, earth-surrounding disfigurement" that made people either fear or despise him. However, the Tu family brothers possessed remarkable skills, specializing in intelligence and mechanical devices, excelling particularly in espionage and assassination.
"Whatever task you have for Old Tu, Madam, please speak freely," Tu Hu said. These days, he had grown so idle that his bones itched. Before his elder brother left, he had repeatedly emphasized the importance of ensuring the Madam's safety. Tu Hu had no choice but to wait patiently, hoping for an opportunity to showcase his abilities.
Separated by the screen, Minglan slowly set down her teacup. "Master Tu, I'm afraid this matter might be somewhat troublesome."
Tu Hu immediately perked up, standing tall and cupping his fists. "The Marquis shares a life-and-death bond with us brothers, having saved our lives. Whatever you ask of us, Madam, we will do." If it weren't difficult, it wouldn't showcase his skills.
Moreover, this Marchioness treated people with great generosity. Besides fixed salaries, there were seasonal clothing, festival bonuses, high-quality tiger bones and leopard sinews, and even imperial-bestowed trauma ointments—all provided continuously. At the beginning of the year, she had even whimsically tried to arrange marriages for him and his brother. He and his elder brother had grown weary of their perilous lives on the martial world's edge. Attaching themselves to Marquis Gu had brought them a life that suited them perfectly. Thus, how could they not devote their utmost efforts?
Minglan thought and thought, weighing her words carefully. "I can't specify what I want you to do, Master Tu. It's just..." She found it difficult to articulate, as she herself had no clear direction. Outside, Tu Hu craned his neck, waiting for a long time. Finally, Minglan gritted her teeth and briefly outlined her recent suspicions.
"I can't pinpoint what's wrong, but something is definitely amiss."
Minglan lowered her voice, lightly tapping the armrest as she spoke word by word, "When I was studying, my tutor once told me: 'We fail to notice because we are negligent, and we are negligent because we are lazy. If we investigate meticulously and diligently, we will always find cracks in the egg.'"
Tu Hu assumed a solemn expression and listened quietly. Minglan paused before continuing, "Now, I ask you, Master Tu, to investigate these matters—everything related to my aunt, the Grand Old Madam, from the Kang Family, the Qin Family, even the Zhu Family, the Sheng Family, to all other branches and leaves. Include the temples and nunneries they visit for prayers, the monks and nuns they frequently interact with. Whatever you can uncover, Master Tu, report it all to me. No detail is too small—I want to know everything."Tu Hu couldn't resist glancing toward the screen, thinking to himself: How does this sheltered woman speak like someone from our profession? Being an expert himself, he naturally knew that the most difficult investigations in this world weren't actually deep mansions or imperial palaces, but rather seemingly uneventful calm waters. He clasped his fists solemnly and said, "This old Tu understands Madam's meaning completely. Madam need only wait for good news."
After giving instructions, Minglan felt somewhat more settled. Cui Mama managed her diet, Tu Hu watched the outside affairs, every four or five days Danju or Xiaotao would go to receive messages, Mama Chang kept the unruly ones in check, Hongxiao had been indirectly probed three times, Qiu Niang had been so thoroughly discouraged she was almost as calm as still water—nearly ready to shave her head and become a nun. As for that Miss Fengxian who admired her own reflection in Lingding Pavilion, she didn't even dare to leave her room anymore. Aside from the annoying frequent urination, everything was normal—it should be fine, right?
Another month passed, the weather growing increasingly hot as her delivery date approached. All necessary preparations had been made gradually, with even the scissors, cotton cloth, brass basins, and bedding for childbirth having been repeatedly inspected by Cui Mama, who wished she could even split the firewood for boiling water into thin strands to examine. Minglan instead gradually calmed down, eating and sleeping well every day while still insisting on walking exercises, hoping for an easier delivery.
"Most likely by the end of this month, though it could be earlier. If delayed, next month is also possible," the old physician said after taking her pulse and calculating for a long while, then having the midwife feel Minglan's belly. "Madam can rest assured, your pregnancy condition is excellent. The fetus size is just right, only..." For his own safety, he added, "After all, this is a dangerous matter. Please be extremely careful, Madam."
Minglan couldn't help glaring at these medical charlatans—they'd covered all bases with both good and bad news.
Since no one knew exactly when she would deliver, everything continued as usual. One day while she was speaking with Mama Chang, Rong Jie'er happened to be home from school break and sat on a small stool listening while holding a plate of rose-flavored melon seeds. Just then, Chang Nian arrived.
"Finished with school? Much homework today? Did you understand everything the teacher said?" Mama Chang had poured her life's efforts into this grandson. Though illiterate herself, she supervised Chang Nian extremely strictly. Chang Nian answered each question. Not long after entering the Hai family school, he had become the teachers' favorite student and promising talent, so everything went smoothly.
"Brother Nian has grown quite tall," Minglan remarked with a smile while looking over Chang Nian.
Having grown up running through city streets and fields, exposed to sun and rain, Chang Nian appeared sturdier and taller than typical officials' children. At just twelve years old, he already stood half a head taller than Changdong. He was beginning to develop adolescent self-awareness, not daring to look directly at Minglan, maintaining proper etiquette with bowed head and slightly reddened dark complexion: "Merely growing older, only troubling Grandmother and Mother to make clothes for me day and night."
Hearing his adolescent cracking voice, Minglan smiled. Young Chang Nian had always been open and natural, but recently he seldom spoke up, and when he did it was in low, hesitant tones—probably because of this. Mama Chang gazed lovingly at her grandson, seeing him in his slightly worn stone-blue scholar's robe, the young boy already carrying an air of an elegant gentleman, filling her heart with pride."Rong Jie'er is here too. Greetings, little sister." Seeing Rong Jie'er, Chang Nian smiled. Rong Jie'er lifted her stubborn little head, performed a perfectly measured curtsy, and said softly, "Greetings, Brother Nian." Mama Chang witnessed this exchange, let out a light snort, and shook her head.
"Reporting to Madam, I've brought Rong Jie'er a copy of 'Chronicles of Changshui' annotated by Scholar Qian Yulin. Might I..." Chang Nian bowed with clasped hands. Before Minglan could respond, Rong Jie'er's eyes had already lit up, her upper body straightening eagerly.
Seeing this, Minglan chuckled lightly and waved her hand. "I'll speak with your grandmother a while longer. You two may go to the side chamber." A girl under ten and a boy just over ten didn't need excessive separation—after all, the adults were right next door.
Watching Rong Jie'er trail after Chang Nian like an excited little rabbit, bouncing out of the main room, Mama Chang's expression grew unusually complex. Minglan glanced sideways at her, understanding her conflicted feelings—disgust for the mother yet pity for the child's circumstances.
Mama Chang turned her head and murmured softly, "Ah, this child... It hasn't been long, yet she's transformed completely. She's learned propriety and manners now. She wasn't blessed with a good mother, but fortunately she met you, Madam. That's her fortune."
Minglan's lips moved slightly, but she remained silent. She never voluntarily inquired about Man Niang's affairs.
Mama Chang, usually cautious and rarely speaking of Gu Tingye's past, seemed stirred by memories now. Her eyes grew distant as she whispered, "That woman—to find Ye-ge'er's whereabouts, she pestered my household daily, even abandoning Rong Jie'er with me. When she finally learned where Ye-ge'er had gone, she resolved to take her son south. However wretched this old woman may be, that child was still Ye-ge'er's flesh and blood—would I have harmed her? Who could have guessed that woman would insist on taking the girl back? I thought she meant to bring her along on the journey, but in the blink of an eye, she dumped the child at the Marquis' estate. How old was Rong Jie'er then? Throwing her into that den of wolves and tigers—how could a mother be so heartless!"
From the next room came bursts of cheerful laughter—a little girl and older boy laughing without a care, clear childish giggles mingling with half-broken, duck-like croaks that somehow harmonized perfectly. Mama Chang couldn't help smiling, though she deliberately coughed heavily. The laughter ceased abruptly, like a goose suddenly grabbed by the neck, leaving momentary silence.
Minglan could almost picture the two children shrinking their necks and covering their mouths, barely containing her amusement as she covered her mouth with a handkerchief to muffle her laughter.
When Mama Chang led her grandson home, Minglan moved clumsily to the door to see them off. As she walked, she said, "Hao Guanshi reported a few days ago that the work has been inspected. The foundation is solid, the walls well-built—the project can be concluded. I plan to host a few tables for a completion banquet the day after tomorrow. You must come, Mama Chang." Breaking ground on a great estate was significant—both groundbreaking and completion banquets required consulting the almanac. Such feasts were not to be skipped.
"Something as good as wine? I'll definitely be there," Mama Chang replied with a smile, looking back.The next day, Minglan woke with rosy cheeks and leisurely listened as Danju reported the guest list for the banquet. Since the master of the house was away, it wouldn't be appropriate to host a grand celebration—only close relatives were invited. She then heard Liao Yong's wife reciting the menu and list of dried and fresh fruits. Based on the number of guests, they needed to pre-determine the quantities of food, wine, and beverages to purchase, as well as reserve extra seating. Due to the hot weather, ice blocks had to be brought up from the cellar, and specific staff were assigned to chill the wine and fresh fruits in the well early the next morning. They also had to arrange for the number of craftsmen and how to manage their banquet seating. Fortunately, this construction project was minor—only repairing walls and parts of the courtyards—not as large-scale as building beams or houses, so the offerings and celebratory candied fruits and pastries could be kept relatively simple... Since Clear Garden had hosted several banquets before, the stewards and matrons were all experienced, and there were precedents to follow, so there was no panic.
While managing these matters, someone suddenly reported from outside that someone from the Sheng residence had arrived. Minglan hurriedly sent Lüzhi out to greet them.
"Mama Fang, you're here! Please, sit, sit!" Minglan exclaimed with surprise and delight, pushing herself up from the armrests. Mama Fang quickly stepped forward to support her, exclaiming repeatedly, "My dear young mistress, please sit properly!"
"How is your health, Mama? And how is Old Madam? How many characters has Quange learned now? Has Huijie started talking?" Before even sitting down, Minglan pulled Mama Fang's hand and asked about everything.
Mama Fang accepted the teacup brought by Danju while patting Minglan, smiling as she replied, "Everyone is well, all is well. Huijie is very clever and can already charm people, but Quange has started to get mischievous—he romps around the house like a little calf, and no one can catch him. Old Madam hardly uses her ebony cane these days and has to raise her voice at least several times a day, but her health has actually grown stronger. Recently, the imperial physician checked her pulse and said she'll surely live to see Quange get married!"
Hearing that her grandmother was healthy and well, Minglan was overjoyed. After all, she had only been a pseudo-little girl back then—no matter how she pretended, she was still too sensible. A real child should be like Quange: wild, mischievous, and unruly toward a doting great-grandmother, enough to make adults stomp around in frustration.
"Old Madam went to Guangji Temple yesterday and obtained a talisman for the Sixth Young Mistress. She said you should carry it with you to ensure the safety of both mother and child and that everything goes smoothly!" Mama Fang presented a small pouch and respectfully handed it to Minglan.
Touched, Minglan accepted the pouch and tucked it into her bosom, her heart aching with sweetness. She turned her head to hide the moisture in her eyes and asked with a smile, "How is Father? And how is Madame?"
Earlier in the year, Sheng Hong had been transferred from the Censorate to the Ministry of War, serving as Vice Minister and jointly managing funds and provisions for the northwestern region. Mama Fang smiled and said, "Madame is quite well. But lately, the Master has been much more cheerful. He has time to check the Third Young Master's studies and even drops by to chat with Old Madam." She sighed with a smile. "Our Master has always been the most amiable person. In over a decade as an official, when has he ever held grudges? Everyone praises his kindness and integrity. Forcing him to specialize in impeaching others was truly difficult for him. Now, it's much better—Amitabha!"Minglan clutched her stomach, biting her lip to suppress laughter. It wasn't proper for children to mock their parents, but the role of imperial censor truly didn't suit Father Sheng Hong. He was naturally a mediator who smoothed things over. While he could manage glaring to find faults in others or scheming behind the scenes, openly accusing people and making enemies caused him immense mental pressure. "Then... what about Third Brother and Third Sister-in-law?" Minglan blinked, full of anticipation.
"Like a pair of mandarin ducks, flying side by side in perfect harmony," Mama Fang said with complete seriousness.
"Really?!" Minglan was stunned.
This couple had been at odds since their wedding. Changfeng naturally looked down upon Madam Liu's rigid solemnity, while Madam Liu made no secret of her view that her husband was frivolous and improper. By the fifth day of their marriage, Changfeng had gone to his bedroom servant's quarters, yet Madam Liu remained completely unbothered.
Seeing the couple at loggerheads, Madam Wang was utterly delighted. However, even someone as foolish as Changfeng wouldn't consider Madam Wang—who had been at odds with his birth mother for over twenty years—as family. His only two pillars of support, Sheng Hong and Old Madam, had unanimously sided with Madam Liu—whatever Madam Liu advocated was right, and whatever Madam Liu did must have profound meaning. Thus, Madam Liu further tightened her control over Changfeng's spending money.
No woman, no money—that's the real tragedy.
Sheng Hong relentlessly scrutinized Changfeng's studies, scolding his son after every meal. Old Madam believed all marital discord stemmed from Changfeng's faults. Seizing Sheng Hong's declaration that "the Sheng family's first son must be born of the principal wife," she angrily dismissed all four bedroom servants from Changfeng's quarters, banishing them to the estate farms. Changfeng suffered bitterly. Having always been gentle and soft-natured since childhood, he couldn't help but shed tears in his despair. Wretched and desolate, he found not a single kindred spirit in the world—life had become utterly unbearable.
Just at this moment, Madam Liu extended a warm hand of friendship to the besieged Sheng Changfeng.
"That day, the Third Master was harshly reprimanded by the master again. So heartbroken he refused even dinner, Third Sister-in-law brought midnight snacks to his study," Mama Fang lowered her voice. "Who knows what Third Sister-in-law said to him? The maids said the Third Master wept bitterly in her arms like a child. The next day, Third Sister-in-law no longer wore a stern face nor spoke harsh words. Gentle and tender, they became sweet as honey. Later, Third Sister-in-law brought back those bedroom servants. Touched by her virtue, Third Master grew even closer to her, voluntarily dismissing two and keeping only the two most honest ones. Now, Third Sister-in-law is urging Third Master to study diligently."
A dramatic turn of events, full of twists and turns.
Minglan couldn't help but cheer Third Sister-in-law's triumph, marveling at Sheng Hong and Old Madam's sharp eyes—this daughter-in-law was truly worth marrying!
"Did Third Sister-in-law arrange this with Father and Old Madam beforehand?" Minglan leaned in to whisper.
Mama Fang's expression turned profoundly mysterious: "Clever people need no prior consultation."
Minglan clapped her hands laughing, then diligently peeled an orange for Mama Fang as reward for telling such an engaging story—first suppression then elevation, driving fish into the net, truly a masterful scheme. Who says life doesn't require wisdom!
Playing the villain one moment and the hero the next, exhausting all means to secure her husband's affection, turning adversity into advantage—compared to Sister-in-law Liu's painstaking efforts, Seventh Miss Gu seemed like an immature child, unaware of life's hardships, recklessly squandering life's opportunities.
Mama Fang shared more amusing stories from the Sheng household with Minglan. Cui Mama joined them laughing for a while, and Danju came by with others to banter. Just as the hall buzzed with lively chatter, Xia Zhu entered in panic, "Madam, something terrible has happened. Nian Ge'er is in trouble."
Minglan turned pale with shock, exclaiming involuntarily: "What happened?"
"This morning when Nian Ge'er was heading to school, two wild horses suddenly dashed out and overturned the carriage. Nian Ge'er was injured in the collision and still hasn't regained consciousness. Mama Chang immediately sent someone to inform you, Madam."
Minglan rose with a stern expression, speaking gravely: "Take my name card and summon Doctor Lin."
Her heart clenched with worry—if anything serious happened to Chang Nian, she truly didn't know how Mama Chang would bear it.
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